WO2006119538A1

WO2006119538A1 - Hinged lid container with frangible tamper-evident means

Info

Publication number: WO2006119538A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000477
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Janetzki; Paul Daffurn
Original assignee: Huhtamaki Australia Pty Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-05-06
Filing date: 2006-04-10
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: EP1786696A4; EP1786696A1; NZ590629A; ZA200609574B

Abstract

In one aspect there is provided a method of coupling a first portion (1) of a container to a second portion (2) of the container in a substantially tamper-evident manner. A tamper evident means (3) is used by relatively rigidly connecting a first portion (4) of the tamper-evident means (3) to the first portion (1) of the container. A second portion (5) of the tamper evident means (3) is coupled to the second portion (2) with the first portion (4) being coupled to the second portion (2) via a frangible section (6).

Description

HINGED LID CONTAINER WITH FRANGIBLE TAMPER-EVIDENT MEANS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to frangible sections as applied to containers.

In one form, the invention relates to tamper evident means associated with containers. The type of container is not specific to the invention as the invention may be applied to many different containers.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to foodstuff containers, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many containers of the prior art utilize tamper-evident means particularly in relation to foodstuffs containers. This is particularly important for containers used in the sale of food products where such tamper evidence provides added comfort to purchasers of this product that the contents of the container have not been tampered with.

The inventors have realized that there are many containers made from or including plastics material, and that they are designed and manufactured in a way that enables the container, or parts of the container to flex.

The inventors have also realized that there are instances in the prior art where the container or parts of the container can be flexed sufficiently to enable access to the contents of the container without triggering or fracturing the tamper- evident means associated with the container. This is highly undesirable.

One of the major shortcomings of existing tamper evident systems is the precise alignment required between the lid and the base of a container. The inventors have identified a problem relating to this precise alignment particularly for consumers who must remove and refit the lid during the consumption life of the product.

The inventors have also identified another problem relating to this precise alignment problem for manufacturers and suppliers of food products, in that many containers are handled and filled in an automated or relatively automated fashion by machines. These machines have certain tolerances, which tolerances can lead to difficulty in applying the lid to the base of the container and/or the handling of the container on their automated filling lines. There is a need to provide a much wider operating window and/or tolerance for customer's automatic filling lines.

The inventors have further realized that while some containers have tamper-evident means provided over a large portion of the container, these are considered very difficult and/or expensive to manufacture.

The inventors have further realized that there is an additional cost in the manufacture of existing tamper evident systems which, traditionally, use additional materials. It would be advantageous to avoid the use of additional materials. Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the materia! forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved tamper-evident means and/or an improved container arrangement.

A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and/or device adapted to couple a first portion of a container to a second portion of a container in a substantially tamper-evident manner and using a tamper-evident means, the method and/or , device comprising a relatively rigidly connecting a first portion of the tamper- evident means to the first portion of the container, and coupling a second portion of the tamper-evident means to the second portion of the container, wherein the first portion is coupled to the second portion via a frangible section.

Preferably the frangible section may be provided by one or more or a combination of any one or all of perforations, weakening, relative thinning of material, or a materia} which being stressed or deformed is liable to exhibit in a tamper evident manner.

The present invention also provides a tamper-evident coupling adapted to applied to a container, comprising a first portion adapted to be rigidly connected to a first portion of the container, and a second portion being coupled to the first portion via a frangible section.

In a preferred embodiment, the tamper evident coupling according to the present invention does not use substantially any additional material. In another embodiment, the tamper evident means according to the present invention is provided integral with the container lid or base, or both lid and base. in yet a further embodiment, the tamper evident means according to the present invention is provided in the lid or the base by perforations, weakening and/or removing material from the lid or the base.

According to another aspect of invention, the present invention provides a container base having a lid secured thereto and/or a method of securing the Hd to the base. The lid is preferably secured at one or more points proximate the area of contact between the lid and the container base. One or more of the points at which the Hd is secured include a tamper-evident means, such as a frangible section. In one form, the lid may be 'welded' at a point, around which there is provided a frangible section of lid or base. The fracture or deformation of the securing means in the initial opening of said container is subsequently evident to a user of said container. This provides a tamper evidence arrangement from the container. ■ _:

In one embodiment, the lid may include a frangible section. In another embodiment, the Hd is adapted to be secured to a container base having a frangible section.

In a further aspect of invention, the present invention provides a method of providing a frangible section in a plastics material article made by a thermoform process, the frangible section being provided by weakening a portion of the plastics material. The weakening is preferably formed by a cutting, laser etching and/or drilling processes upon the plastics article.

Other aspects and preferred aspects are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. The aspects of invention disclosed herein relate to an improvement of the container and its associated aspects as disclosed in PCT/AU04/001724, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

In essence, in one aspect, the present invention is based on the inventor(s) realizing that a tamper evident means can be provided by implementing a frangible section in either or both the lid and the base of a container, without the need to use additional or extra materials, in another aspect, the present invention is based on providing a mechanical barrier which is incorporated in, made from a part of and / or integral with the lid and / or base of a container which, when breached, indicates the breach in a tamper evident manner, in other words, the mechanical barrier in accordance with an aspect of this invention need not be additional to the lid and / or base of the container.

The present invention has been found to result in a number of advantages, such as: • The frangible portion provides a form of tamper evident means on the container.

• The present invention is relatively convenient and/or cost effective to manufacture.

• Much wider operating window and/or tolerance for customer's automatic filling lines.

• The present invention may be implemented in the Hd and/or the base of a container without the need for additional materials, as is the case in some prior art. This simplifies manufacture and reduces cost.

• The hinged lid is considered an advantage. The hinged lid can also be manufactured so that it locks into the open position to facilitate removal of the contents, such as ice cream. It can then be snap shut. .

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a container to which the. present invention may be applied,

Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the frangible connection according to an aspect of invention,

Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the frangible connection according to an aspect of invention,

Figures 4a to 4i inclusive illustrate other example embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures there is shown a base-and-lid container to which the present invention can be applied. The container is made of or at least incorporates some plastics material.

Figure .1 shows that the container consists of two parts, namely an open- topped base 1 and a lid 2. The lid is releasably coupled to the base. In securing the lid to the base, the lid 2 is welded (or fastened by some appropriate means) to the base 1. For example, the fastening may be accomplished by mechanical means, such as mechanical locking, interference fit, mechanical hook, barb, adhesives, welding, laser, ultrasonic welding, heat, chemical action, and/or any other known manner of fastening or releasably fastening.

This may be done at one or more points. One preferred point for securing the lid to the base (or the base to the lid) would be in the corners of the container or areas of the closure where the fitment between the lid and the base enabfes a person to tamper, e.g. long straight sides that may gape without additional securing, such as side 10 in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows the lid secured at four points 3, each point being at a corner of the container. The number of points that the lid and base are secured are not an aspect of the invention. Thus, although the example given shows four points, any number of points may be provided in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the lid 2 is secured in a relatively fixed manner to the base 1 at particular points. In another embodiment, strips of fastening, regions of fastening, or fastening at substantially the entire point(s) of contact between the lid and base can be provided rather than just fastening at selected points in order to provide a tamper-evident means of fastening the lid to the base of the container.

Where the container is formed from or includes at least some plastics materials, welding may for example be carried out by the known technique of ultrasonic wefding, solvent welding, by thermal means, by adhesive and/or other means as disclosed herein. However, other types of securing means may also be provided, such as mechanical locking or interference fitting, as disclosed herein or are known to those skilled in the art.

In accordance with an aspect of invention, at least one of the point(s) 3 include a tamper evident feature, such as a frangible section.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a frangible connection according to the present invention. A lid 2 includes a frangible connection 3. The frangible connection 3 includes a first portion 4 which is adapted to be rigidly connected to the base of the container (not shown). The first portion 4 is coupled to a second portion 5 (and the {id 2) via a one or more frangible sections 6.

In use, if the lid 2 is separated from the base (not shown), the first portion 4 being rigidly connected to the base will remain with the base, and sever the frangible sections 6. As a result, given that the frangible sections 6 have been compromised, the connection (and resulting separation) is tamper-evident. The frangible section 6 may be any shape, not necessarily round. They may be oval, may be linear (long rectangle), as shown in Figures 4a to 4i or any other shape as required by the application of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates another example of a frangible connection according to the present invention. Again a lid 2 includes a frangible connection 3. A part of the lid 2 is shown in cut-away for clarity. The frangible connection 3 includes a first portion 4 which is adapted to be rigidly connected to the base 1 of the container. The first portion 4 is coupled to a second portion 5 (and the lid 2) via a one or more frangible sections 6. In this embodiment, the first portion is mechanically coupled to a rim 9 of the base 1 via a barb 7 or hook (although other mechanical interlocking means may be used) which is inserted into a corresponding hole 8 (or other suitable mechanical interlocking). In use, in this embodiment, if the lid and base are to be separated, the barb 7 would cause the first portion 4 to fracture away from the lid 2 and remain mechanically coupled to the base 1. In other arrangents the mechanical interlocking means may include a interference fit portion that provides an interference fit with the hole 8. .

When the first portion 4 is fractured away from the connection according to the present invention, the second portion 5 (and the lid in the exemplary embodiment shown) would show a hole (where the first portion was once located). This provides a relatively clear indication as a tamper-evident means.

The frangible sections 6 may be provided by creating either alone or in any combination of areas of weakness, perforations, gaps, diaphragm, thinned area or other suitable means of weakening. Figures 4a to 4i provide some other example embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that other arrangements, shapes and embodiments of the present invention are possible depending on the particular application to which the present invention Is to be applied. These and other embodiments are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present application. Figure 4a shows within the first portion 4, there is a fastening point 11.

Figure 4a may for example be a lid, and the fastening point 11 fastens the lid at this point (via the tamper evident means of the present invention) to the base of the container (below and not shown in this figure).

Figure 4 b shows a similar configuration to that of Figure 4a, but where the arrangement of frangible sections 6 are in a relatively triangular shape. in Figure 4c, the frangible sections are arranged in a rectangular shape. In Figure 4d, the perforations are much longer on two sides, giving the appearance of a rectangular shape. In this example, the fastening 11 is a relatively long thin 'line'. In Figure 4e, the first portion 4 is coupled to second portion 5 by a thinned section or diaphragm 12. If the first portion 4 and second portion 5 are separated, this will fracture the thinned or diaphragm section 12 leaving a tamper evident result. In Figure 4f, there are a number of sections 6, and smaller perforations forming the frangible section.

In Figure 4g, the first portion and section portions are formed closer to a comer of a container. In order to open the container, the first portion 4 (for example the lid of the container) is separated from the second portion 5 (which second portion is fastened to the base of the container, for example) perforating along the frangible section 6. Likewise in Figure 4 h, the first and second portions are separated from each other along section 6.

Fastening 11 maintains one of the portions secured, while the other portion is separated.

Figure 4i shows an arrangement according to the present invention embodied in a diamond shape configuration.

The container is thus tamper evident, in that once first opened in the manner described above, the fact that its having been opened is readily apparent from the pieces being broken from the lid and remaining attached to the base, holes in the lid and also by virtue of deformation or fracture of various regions around the frangible connection. A user will also notice when opening the container on second and subsequent occasions that the resistance provided by breaking of the welds 12 is no longer present. In a further alternative, a kinematic inversion of the embodiment described above can be provided, where the first portion 4 is designed to remain on the lid 2, and the second portion is provided in the base 1.

The frangible section may be of any shape, may be external or internal of the container, located anywhere on the container, and/or may be continuous or provided only at certain locations.

The lid and base are particularly well suited to manufacture by injection molding using plastics as are the various processes described herein.

In a further alternative embodiment, the lid and/or container of the present invention may be formed by a Thermoform process and the frangible connection is manufactured or machined onto or into the lid and/or container following the Thermoform process. The frangible and/or hinge portions may also be further refined through more fabrication. The frangible sections may be formed by laser, cutting, stamping, drilling or otherwise machining the lid to form portions of frangible material at the desired locations. The frangible section may be formed also at least partially during the thermoform process.

A container made in this way is advantageous for manufacturers and users. Both lid and base can be manufactured readily by manufacturers and after filling and sale to the consumer, the consumer has the comfort of knowing safety and security of the contents that comes from the provision of a tamper evidence capability, convenience and the added benefit retaining the lid with the base for ease of use or for re-closing the lid and base.

Steps known in the art may be taken to provide for nestability of the lids and bases prior to joining. It is also known to provide nesting formations on bases of containers of the present type. These are not shown in diagrams, but are known in the art.

Where the hinge portion is secured to the base by welding, for example of the type mentioned above, the arrangement is considered advantageous for example in applications such as lidded tub-type containers for ice cream and like products, where tooling costs for one piece containers may be higher and/or where it may be desired to use different material for the base and lid.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of. the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw. are equivalent structures.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof." Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising¹, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS;

1. A method of coupling a first portion of a container to a second portion of a container in a substantially tamper-evident manner and using a tamper-evident means, the method comprising the steps of: relatively rigidly connecting a first portion of the tamper-evident means to the first portion of the container, and coupling a second portion of the tamper-evident means to the second portion of the container, wherein the first portion is coupled to the second portion via a frangible section.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein coupling the first portion of the tamper-evident means to the first portion of the container includes inserting the first portion of the tamper-evident means into an opening defined by the first portion of the container, the first portion including mechanical interlocking means for interlocking the first portion of the tamper-evident means with the first portion of the container.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein coupling the first portion of the tamper-evident means to the first portion of the container includes providing an interference fit between the first portion of the tamper-evident means and the first portion of the container.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frangible section coupling the first and second portions of the tamper evident means is provided by one or more or a combination of any one or all of perforations, weakening, relative thinning of material, or a material which being stressed or deformed is liable to exhibit in a tamper evident manner.

6. A device adapted to couple a first portion of a container to a second portion of a container in a substantially tamper-evident manner and using a tamper-evident means, comprising: a first portion relatively rigidly connected to the first portion of the container, arid a second portion coupled to the second portion of the container, wherein the first portion is coupled to the second portion via a frangible section.

7. A tamper-evident coupling adapted to be applied to a container, comprising: a first portion adapted to be rigidly connected to a first portion of the container, and a second portion being coupled to the first portion via a frangible section.

8. A coupling as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frangible section is adapted to form a linear section a extending across a corner of the container.

9. A coupling as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first portion is surrounded by the second portion.

10. A coupling as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first portion is shaped like a polygon.

11. A coupling as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first portion is shaped like a rectangle.

12. A coupling as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first portion is shaped like a triangle.

13. A coupling as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first portion is elongate such that the tamper evident coupling resembles a line.

14. A coupling as claimed in claim 9 wherein the frangible section forms an o-shaped section of relatively thinner material relative to the first and second portions. -

15. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 7 -to 14 wherein the first portion is mechanically coupled to the first portion of the container by mechanical interlocking means.

16. A coupling as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mechanical interlocking means comprises an interference fit member.

17. A coupling as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mechanical interlocking means comprises a barb member.

18. A coupling as claimed in claimed in any one of claims 7 to 17 wherein the tamper evident coupling does not use substantially any additional material.

19. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein the tamper evident means is provided integral with a container lid, container base, or the both lid and the base.

20. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 20 wherein the first portion is rigidly connected at a fastening of a similar shape to the first portion.

21. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 21 wherein the frangible section is provided by perforations, weakening, thinning, a diaphragm and/or removing material from the lid or the base.

22. A container lid and/or base including the device as claimed in claim 6.

23. A container lid and/or base including the coupling as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 20.

24. A container having a lid and/or base as claimed in claim 22 or 23.

25. A container as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lid is secured at one or more points proximate the area of contact between the Hd and a container base.

26. A container as claimed in claim 24, wherein the base is secured at one or more points proximate the area of contact between the base and a container base.

27. A container as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein securing of the base and/or lid is via welding.

28. A method of providing a frangible section in a plastics material article made by a thermoform process, the frangible section being provided by weakening a portion of the plastics material.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the weakening is preferably formed by a cutting, laser etching and/or drilling processes upon the plastics article.

30. A method as herein disclosed.

31. A device, coupling or frangible section as herein disclosed.